With James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos arriving at the Bernabeu this summer Di Maria's place looked more and more threatened as the off-season wore on.

And now the 27-year-old has hinted that it was president Florentino Perez who had the final say and saw him leave the club.

"After winning the tenth Champions League I went to the World Cup with the hopes of receiving a gesture from the board, something that never arrived. Much has been said and many lies have been told," he said in an open letter to Real fans.

"There has been a desire all along to attribute to me a desire to leave the club, something that has never been the case. Unfortunately it would seem I am not the type of footballer that appeals to one person in particular.

"The only things I ever asked for is what I considered to be just and fair. There are many things that I value and many of them have nothing to do with my salary."

Di Maria enjoyed a glittering spell in the Spanish capital winning a league title, two domestic cups, a UEFA Super Cup and of course the historic Champions League in four wildly successful years.

"My time at Real Madrid has come to an end. It is impossible to capture all that I have lived here in just a few lines but this letter is to explain to you my feelings at this time of parting," he added.

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"In the four year that I have had the honour of wearing the shirt I have felt nothing but pride for everything that has occurred and that I have achieved together with my team mates.

"Sadly the time has come for me to leave, but I would like to make it clear that it was never my wish."

He added: "I take forever in my memory that time in the Supercopa when I jumped at the Bernabeu (stadium) and I received from the fans immense affection.